2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) Key Indicators Report

The 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (2024 MDHS) was conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) from May 13 to August 31, 2024, with technical assistance from ICF under The Demographic and Health Surveys Program (DHS). The survey received financial and technical support from multiple international organisations, including Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement, USAID, the World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, the Global Fund, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, among others.

This Key Indicators Report provides an initial overview of key demographic and health indicators, with a comprehensive analysis scheduled for publication in 2025. The primary objective of the 2024 MDHS is to provide up-to-date estimates on fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, childhood nutrition, disease prevalence, and health service utilisation. A specific focus was placed on micronutrient indicators among young children and women across Malawi.

The MDHS included a dedicated sampling domain for refugees residing in the country’s Dzaleka refugee camp. Estimates for this domain are presented in Annex 1 of the report.

The survey’s findings aim to support policymakers and program managers in designing and evaluating health initiatives to improve public health outcomes. Additionally, the 2024 MDHS contributes to monitoring Malawi’s progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).